Do you like miniature books? I love miniature books. The book is one of the first items I made for my dolls. When I started making miniatures for Barbie dolls back in 2020, I used to make simple miniature books by cutting and gluing papers. It was easy but looked...you know, not so great. Haha. Thanks to creators like this month's guest for New Doll Times Magazine, there are a lot of miniature book printables available online!
This month, the magazine featured Luma, the owner of an independent bookstore in a dolltown created by Chris from @ifiwereadoll. Luma's bookstore is called The Boreal Quill, a unique one-of-a-kind bookstore.
The Boreal Quill has a great selection of books, hosts book releases and signing events, and offers a book-swapping program. How cool is this!? So far, two popular authors, Daho Johansen and Kite Labile, had their book events. You can download their books from here 👉Printables By Chris @ifiwereadoll
Let's dive into the interview with Luma and learn all about her and her bookstore.
Interview with Luma
The Boreal Quill: Where Stories Come to Life
In a world where technology dominates our daily lives, there’s something magical about stepping into a small, independently owned bookstore. The Boreal Quill is one such place - a sanctuary for readers, dreamers, and book lovers alike. Opened in January 2024, the shop offers not just a collection of books but a personalized experience that invites you to slow down and explore.
In this interview, we sit down with Luma, the founder and heart behind The Boreal Quill. From her meticulous book journaling to her dreams for community engagement, Luma’s story is one of passion, creativity, and a deep love for the written word.
Luma, can you tell us how The Boreal Quill adventure began?
The bookstore opened in January 2024, but the idea has been with me for a very long time.
During the pandemic, we realized that the word has become hyper digitalized, and that people spend more and more time on their screens. It has created a real need to log off, when possible. A book was for many a great way to escape during this period. That’s when I started to make plans of how I wanted my dream bookshop. I had no experience but had a lot of time to spend on the internet to look for advice, guidance and ideas of how to make a business plan. I just couldn’t wait to get started! And then, my good luck made a commercial space available for rent next to my favorite café. It was a no brainer!
What makes The Boreal Quill your dream bookstore, then?
I wanted a place where people would stop by to browse, just like they would do shoe shopping or looking for the perfect pair of jeans... So, my priority was to make a place that looks inviting and inspiring. I pick my books personally and do not focus on quantity: nowadays, people can find any book, any time in a few clicks, so I prioritize the experience of discovering a book you might not have thought of. Fighting against an algorithm is not easy, but I like to think that I provide a service that is not available online. I like to interact with my customers and listen to their thoughts and tastes, so that they can find the right fit for them or their loved ones.
How do you manage to keep track of everything you read and respond to every customer inquiry?
Well, I have been keeping track of all my reading in a book journal for years. I write down my thoughts and comments while I read, as others would hold a diary. It is a precious ally when I need to find the right book for the right people or wonder who a story would appeal to.
Every month, I pick a few books that I want to highlight and recommend. I could not do it without my journal!
In addition, I was lucky to find Billy-Kate who is now in charge of the whole children’s literature and Manga department. She is amazing!
What are your goals for the future of your bookstore? Any projects?
We have opened quite recently, but we are already working on several ideas we want to develop. We hosted the book release and signing of Daho Johansen’s Dolls of Darkness, and we hope to do such events again in the future. We have also started a Book Swapping program in the Manga division, to encourage young people to read more and for their own pleasure. It’s a great way for us to renew our inventory regularly in an environmental-friendly way and to keep track of the new trends. Moreover, we are planning to start our own book circle in partnership with Petit Gateau, next door, where people could regularly meet to discuss books around a coffee or a sweet treat. We wish to contribute even more to our community in the future!
Is there a particular book that caught your eye this year and that you would like to recommend?
Hmmm, I don’t think there is one particular book that could work for everyone. But both Daho Jensen and Kite Labile’s first novels made a strong impression, and I am personally looking forward to their next work. But if you tell me more about you, then I can try to find your next book crush!
This is very tempting, and I’ll take you up on that! Now for my last question: What do you think is the most rewarding in your line of work today?
I am grateful to be able to exchange with so many different people and spread my love for books. To me, a book is not just an object that you buy. It’s something you pick, love, write in, then leave again on a shelf, until next time. It’s something you can offer or share. It’s a story that you look forward to discovering, even if you sometimes need to wait for years for the next time. It’s something that brings you quiet and peace, and makes you smile and cry, and can even teach you a lesson. When you read, you are in a safe bubble of creativity where you can escape from anything. It follows you everywhere and carries memories wherever you bring it with you. It’s just the best traveler companion.
(Interview written by Chris from @ifiwereadoll)
Inside of New Doll Times Magazine
Here are all the pages of the magazine. Keep scrolling down for a 1:6 size magazine printable.
Reading Journal
In the interview, Luma mentioned using a journal to keep track of all her reading. I created a reading journal printable in 1:6 (doll size) and 1:1 (human size) scales, so you and your doll can jot down some thoughts, feelings, and quotes when you read together.
1:6 scale one will be on the 2nd page of your magazine printable download.
Human size will have a separate link.
Magazine Printable Download
New Doll Times Magazine is a 1:6 scale miniature magazine. It is a perfect size for Barbie or any 12-inch doll.
Here is a tutorial video on how to make a pencil.
Enjoy!
Comments
Post a Comment